Between war and hope: Ukraine’s gratitude for European support amid global rivalries

As the war in Ukraine drags into its third year, the country finds itself at the heart of a growing global rivalry between the United States and Russia.

Beyond military conflicts and diplomatic talk, there exists a deeper and more intricate trend that represents what we must recognise as the new frontiers of geo-colonialism. Modern influence operates through strategic aid and economic dependence, rather than traditional colonialism of past empires.

Ukraine represents the focal point of this global geopolitical struggle as an independent nation with historical depth and unyielding determination to protect its self-rule. The Ukrainian resistance against Russian invasion has resulted in great suffering, yet Ukrainians continue to show their appreciation for European Union support, among other forms of assistance.

Iryna Vereshchuk,  Ukraine’s former deputy Prime Minister, explains that European unity provides Ukraine with power. The support Ukraine receives extends beyond financial assistance and military aid because it demonstrates moral backing and confirms Ukraine’s membership in the European nation family.

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The EU has played an essential role by providing humanitarian assistance and weapons and by presenting a vision for European integration over the long term. Ukrainians have embraced this vision with hope. The primary motivation behind the 2014 Maidan protests stemmed from Ukraine’s aspiration to become part of the European Union rather than any commitments regarding NATO membership. Millions of Ukrainians today look to European values, such as democracy and rule of law, as their guiding star to prosperity.

The situation Ukraine faces remains complex, despite its strategic position. The increasing Western support leads to renewed debates about Ukraine’s future independence. The U.S. has given Ukraine over $75 billion in assistance, which translates into significant influence. Ukraine’s dependence on foreign assistance during war time could become structural dependency as reconstruction and economic reforms begin post-war.

Russia maintains its approach to neo-imperialism through violent actions. The statement from Putin which denies Ukraine’s status as a real country demonstrates the colonial thinking that influences his perspective. Moscow’s strategy of removing Ukrainian identity and language from occupied areas shows their goal to control both physical territory and cultural memory, which reflects classic colonial methods.

Contemporary geo-colonial practices extend beyond military force and national symbols. It uses more subtle mechanisms: geo-colonialism today employs conditional financial aid packages and investment agreements linked to external interests, alongside geopolitical stories which depict smaller nations as mere battlegrounds instead of independent actors.

The former war-ravaged nation, Ukraine, now stands as a symbol, according to Dr. Nadia Arbatova, who studies European security in Russia. “But symbols can also be manipulated. The primary difficulty exists in maintaining Ukraine’s control over its narrative.”

Western organisations, including the IMF and multinational banks like BlackRock and JPMorgan, currently lead the development of Ukraine’s recovery plans following the war. Certain proposals present economic sovereignty challenges. The reconstruction of Ukraine will either focus on public interests or follow the directions of corporate entities.

Despite various challenges, Ukraine maintains an extraordinary level of resilience. Ukraine’s civil society, alongside local leadership and volunteer networks, exert significant influence both against Russian aggression and in advancing reforms and a more accountable and promising future. Ukraine functions as an active agent in its transformation instead of being a mere beneficiary of assistance.Increasing US-Russia geopolitical tensions could transform Ukraine into a forever battlefield of contention. The concept of “geo-colonialism” reaches peak relevance in this context. The power of either war or assistance has the potential to destroy personal agency unless approached through cooperation and modesty.

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But there is hope. European leadership circles are now paying closer attention to voices from Ukraine. The EU membership candidacy status for Ukraine and collaborative reconstruction frameworks that include civil society participation represent positive developments.

Ukrainians are not naïve. The Ukrainian people recognise the financial toll of war, while also understanding the constraints of diplomatic efforts and the dangers of relying too heavily on external support. But they are also hopeful. Europe represents more than just sponsorship—it stands as a collective vision of peace and modern dignity.

As Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, said in his address to the European Parliament: “Our struggle aims to secure equal membership status within Europe. We are fighting for our values. And we are winning, together.”

Ultimately, the world needs to evaluate both the outcome of conflict and the nature of peace that will follow. The future of Ukraine remains uncertain as we must determine whether it will develop into an empowered country or become a managed endeavour. Will it rebuild with dignity—or under direction?

As we navigate these questions, one truth must remain central: solidarity is not the same as control. Authentic partnership takes root when support enables freedom rather than exerting influence.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.